Optometrists and opticians are set to gain increased authority to manage various eye conditions that are commonly addressed by GPs or hospitals. This development will allow patients to receive treatment for problems such as dry eye, severe allergy, and conjunctivitis directly from opticians and optometrists located in community settings, aligning with the government’s strategy to decentralize NHS services for enhanced accessibility.
The initiative aims to empower eye care professionals to play a more significant role in diagnosing patients and prescribing medications. Health minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized the importance of transferring care from hospitals to communities, facilitating healthcare delivery directly to patients’ localities.
Under the proposed changes, optometrists and contact lens opticians will have the opportunity to manage minor eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis without the need for unnecessary visits to GPs or hospitals. A public consultation will precede the implementation of these changes to explore the expansion of medication access for eye care professionals.
The plan involves amending the Human Medicines Regulations (HMRs) to enable optometrists and opticians to dispense a broader range of drugs. This includes the administration of prescription-only medicines and the option for patients to obtain their prescriptions from nearby pharmacies.
The list of medications that could be prescribed by eye care professionals encompasses various drugs like acetylcysteine for dry eye, diclofenac sodium for post-cataract surgery pain, and azithromycin for bacterial conjunctivitis. Additionally, medications such as atropine sulphate and homatropine hydrobromide may be utilized to facilitate accurate eye tests, especially beneficial for children.
Dr. Paramdeep Bilkhu, a clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, expressed support for expanding the range of prescription medicines available to optometrists, highlighting the potential to improve patient outcomes and ease the burden on emergency departments and GPs.
In conclusion, the proposed changes seek to enhance the efficiency of eye care services by empowering optometrists and opticians to provide comprehensive treatment for common minor eye conditions locally, ultimately benefiting patients and optimizing the healthcare system.